Pressure equalization element having a membrane, housing, battery cell module, and motor vehicle

Abstract

A pressure equalization element for a housing, such as a lithium-ion accumulator, includes a membrane and at least two parallel non-return valves. The membrane is connected in series to the non-return valves, which are positioned opposite each other. The non-return valves are formed by two valve plates and a valve membrane. The plates define at least one outlet chamber and at least one inlet chamber which each have a respective entry opening and exit opening. The membrane is positioned between the plates and includes at least two valve dampers, the entry openings of the inlet and outlet chambers sealed by a respective damper. Pressure equalization elements of this type can thus be cost-effectively and logically implemented via few components, while avoiding loose components. Such elements can be included in, for example, a housing, battery cell module, or motor vehicle.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A pressure equalization element for a housing, comprising:
 at least two non-return valves arranged in parallel and positioned in opposition to each other, the at least two non-return valves formed by:
 two valve plates that define:
 at least one inlet chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; and 
 at least one outlet chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; and 
 
 a valve membrane positioned between the two valve plates, the valve membrane including at least two valve caps, each valve cap sealing off a respective inlet opening of the at least one inlet chamber and at least one outlet chamber, the valve membrane further including a circumferential O-ring; 
 
 a membrane connected in series with the at least two non-return valves; and 
 a protective cap defining a hollow interior, 
 wherein the membrane and the two valve plates are received within the hollow interior, and 
 wherein the circumferential O-ring is arranged in direct contact with the protective cap. 
 
     
     
       2. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least two valve caps are resiliently connected to the valve membrane by a resilient connection. 
     
     
       3. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 at least one meander spring, each meander spring forming the resilient connection of a respective one of the at least two valve caps. 
 
     
     
       4. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the at least two valve caps, the valve membrane, and the resilient connection are embodied in a single piece. 
     
     
       5. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the circumferential O-ring is molded on the valve membrane. 
     
     
       6. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a drying mechanism, connected to an output side of the membrane and the at least two non-return valves. 
 
     
     
       7. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the circumferential O-ring is arranged radially outwardly of the protective cap. 
     
     
       8. A pressure equalization element for a housing, comprising:
 at least two non-return valves arranged in parallel and positioned in opposition to each other, the at least two non-return valves formed by:
 two valve plates that define:
 at least one inlet chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; and 
 at least one outlet chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; and 
 
 a valve membrane positioned between the two valve plates, the valve membrane including at least two valve caps, each valve cap sealing off a respective inlet opening of the at least one inlet chamber and at least one outlet chamber, the valve membrane further including a circumferential O-ring; 
 
 a membrane connected in series with the at least two non-return valves; and 
 a protective cap configured to cover the membrane, wherein: 
 the circumferential O-ring is arranged in direct contact with the protective cap, and 
 the valve membrane further includes:
 an upper side and a lower side arranged facing in opposite directions, and 
 a circumferential stay extending from the upper side and from the lower side, the circumferential stay arranged radially inwardly of the circumferential O-ring and radially outwardly of the at least two valve caps. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein:
 the valve membrane further includes further stays coupling the circumferential O-ring to the circumferential stay. 
 
     
     
       10. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein:
 the valve member further includes a second stay extending from the upper side and from the lower side, and 
 the second stay extends from a first location on the circumferential stay to a second location on the circumferential stay. 
 
     
     
       11. The pressure equalization element as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the second stay is at least partially arranged between the at least two valve caps. 
     
     
       12. A pressure equalization element for a housing, comprising:
 at least two non-return valves arranged in parallel and positioned in opposition to each other, the at least two non-return valves formed by:
 two valve plates that define:
 at least one inlet chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; and 
 at least one outlet chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening; and 
 
 a valve membrane positioned between the two valve plates, the valve membrane including at least two valve caps, each valve cap sealing off a respective inlet opening of the at least one inlet chamber and at least one outlet chamber, the valve membrane further including a circumferential O-ring; 
 
 a membrane connected in series with the at least two non-return valves; and 
 a protective cap configured to cover the membrane, wherein:
 the circumferential O-ring is arranged in direct contact with the protective cap, and 
 the membrane is in direct contact with the protective cap and with a first valve plate of the two valve plates.